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2025 Montana Law Change

HB165 eliminates the requirement for notarization of most motor vehicle titles. the bill passed both houses of the legislature with broad support. Only a few legislators expressed concern about the potential impacts of increased fraud and elder financial abuse as a result of this legislation, focusing instead on the “hassle” of getting titles notarized. The bill was sent to the governor on 3/31 and it is expected that he will sign it. We will provide updates on the effective date and how notaries are to handle requests for notarizations on existing titles. Watch for upcoming webinars about this new program and what notaries are expected to do going forward.

In-Person Classes

You asked for it - we deliver! The Montana Notary Guild will host several in-person classes around the state. For more information on times, dates, and locations, Visit the Classes page of this website. General Members receive a 20% discount on registration fees.

Affiliate Classes

Need to brush up on your skills? Our partner, the Montana Land Title Association Foundation, has created a fun course that puts theory into practice. If you find yourself struggling with the “how to do it” part of notarizing, this course is for you. The course is online and available 24/7. And it has been approved for 2 hours of continuing education credit by the Montana Secretary of State. Register here or visit the 406 Notary Academy page of the Montana Secretary of State’s website to sign up for this class.

NNA Conference

The National Notary Association’s Annual Notary Conference is being held in Las Vegas from June 8 - 10. There’s still time to register - but hurry if you want to attend this outstanding event.

Notarizing the DS-3053 Form

The U.S. department of State has revised the form "Statement of Consent: U.S. Passport Issuance to a Child." This form is required when one or both parents or legal guardian(s) is unable to be present for a child’s passport application and must provide notarized consent. However, the latest version of the form presents challenges for notaries because it lacks a clear notarial act. The form indicates the parent must “swear under oath” - however the notarial wording states that the document was “executed” in the notary’s presence with no mention of the notary having administered the oath. Notaries have reported that the forms will be rejected if any changes are made to the wording on the form.

Bill Fritzlen from the U.S. Department of State confirmed that the Department is aware that the DS-3053 contains problematic notarial wording. He suggested that Montana notaries should attach a loose notarial certificate for a jurat instead of using the notarial section on the form. This approach ensures compliance with state law while still fulfilling the passport requirement.